CRIME in Merseyside has fallen by 18 per cent since last year, the biggest drop in crime of any region in the UK.

CRIME in Merseyside has fallen by 18 per cent since last year, the biggest drop in crime of any region in the UK.

Early figures show that Merseyside is getting safer and safer with more than 28,000 fewer reported crimes over the past year.

Reductions across the board include 24,716 fewer reported incidents of anti-social behaviour across Merseyside and more than 1,000 fewer burglaries.

Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, Bernard Hogan-Howe said: “This is down to the sheer hard work of our officers and staff, ongoing support from the public and partners and a relentless approach to stopping criminals in their tracks.

“This shows that our Total Policing war on crime is working.

“Merseyside has suffered from unfair stereotypes in the past, but today’s news should put those national perceptions to rest once and for all.

“Statistics are often hard to understand and digest, but 48,000 less crimes should speak for itself.”

The figures also include a 20 per cent decrease in violent crime and a 27 per cent drop in the number of reported robberies.